MHNIG promotes the health and well-being of people who are at risk of experiencing mental illness and/or emotional distress as well as promoting mental health services which are responsive to the needs and wishes of consumers and the community.

MHNIG objectives are:

To provide a forum for communication and the exchange of ideas.Lobby for improved mental health/psychiatric care in institutions and in the community.Collaborate with mental health consumers/survivors, family groups, and other mental health professionals.Lobby on behalf of mental health nursing for the recognition of and positive image of mental health nursing.Promote awareness of the roles of mental health nurses and to serve as liaison with RNAO and CNA in promoting certification of mental health nurses.Provide professional support for mental health nurses.Promote professional growth and adaptation to changing health care trends.Encourage formation of satellite groups throughout Ontario.Support implementation of standards of practice for mental health nursing.Encourage participation of mental health nurses in education and research.

MHNIG supports 1 award:The Dr. Hildegarde E. Peplau Award provides an opportunity to a Registered Nurse who wishes to pursue education at the masters or doctoral level in psychiatric/mental health nursing. Preference will be given to those whose focus of study includes an interpersonal perspective in nurse-client, family, peer or community relationships. Preference will be given to members of the MHNIG.